VA TATTOOING REGULATIONS FOR THE PMU STATE BOARD
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
INTRODUCTION.
This comprehensive study guide is designed for candidates preparing for the Virginia Permanent
Makeup (PMU) State Board Licensing Examination for the 2025/2026 testing cycle. The exam assesses
knowledge of Virginia-specific tattooing regulations, permanent cosmetic tattooing laws, sanitation
requirements, and professional standards as outlined in the Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) and
enforced by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology .
SECTION 1: LICENSING AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (18VAC41-50-
20)
Q1
What are the general requirements for obtaining a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master
permanent cosmetic tattooer license in Virginia?
Answer: Applicants must be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed, disclose disciplinary
actions, provide physical address (not P.O. box), sign statement certifying they have read Virginia
tattooing laws, disclose criminal convictions as required, and pass board-approved examination .
Rationale: The regulations specify these requirements to ensure only qualified, ethical practitioners enter
the profession. Good standing and disclosure of disciplinary actions protect public safety by preventing
individuals with unresolved violations from practicing .
Q2
What criminal convictions must be disclosed on a Virginia PMU license application?
Answer: All misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug
distribution, or physical injury within 2 years of application; and all felony convictions within 20 years of
application .
, Rationale: The time-limited disclosure requirements balance public protection with rehabilitation. Nolo
contendere pleas are considered convictions for disclosure purposes .
Q3
An applicant trained outside of Virginia but within the US who completed fewer than the required training
hours may still qualify for examination under what conditions?
Answer: The applicant must submit documentation acceptable to the board verifying completion of
substantially equivalent tattooing training OR documentation of three years of work experience within the
preceding five years as a tattooer, AND completion of minimum five hours of health education covering
bloodborne pathogens, sterilization, aseptic techniques, first aid, and CPR .
Rationale: This provision allows experienced practitioners from other states to qualify without repeating
full training, while ensuring they understand Virginia's health and safety standards .
Q4
What is the minimum client age for receiving a tattoo or permanent cosmetic tattoo in Virginia?
Answer: A client must be a minimum of 18 years of age, except as permitted in § 18.2-371.3 of the Code
of Virginia .
Rationale: This age requirement protects minors from making permanent decisions about body
modification before reaching legal adulthood .
Q5
What identification must a client present before receiving a permanent cosmetic tattoo?
Answer: A valid, government-issued positive identification card including a driver's license, passport, or
military identification containing a photograph of the individual and a printed date of birth .
Rationale: Positive ID ensures age verification and helps prevent identity fraud. The photograph
requirement prevents use of another person's identification .
Q6
What information must be documented in the permanent client record for each PMU procedure?
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
INTRODUCTION.
This comprehensive study guide is designed for candidates preparing for the Virginia Permanent
Makeup (PMU) State Board Licensing Examination for the 2025/2026 testing cycle. The exam assesses
knowledge of Virginia-specific tattooing regulations, permanent cosmetic tattooing laws, sanitation
requirements, and professional standards as outlined in the Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) and
enforced by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology .
SECTION 1: LICENSING AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (18VAC41-50-
20)
Q1
What are the general requirements for obtaining a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master
permanent cosmetic tattooer license in Virginia?
Answer: Applicants must be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed, disclose disciplinary
actions, provide physical address (not P.O. box), sign statement certifying they have read Virginia
tattooing laws, disclose criminal convictions as required, and pass board-approved examination .
Rationale: The regulations specify these requirements to ensure only qualified, ethical practitioners enter
the profession. Good standing and disclosure of disciplinary actions protect public safety by preventing
individuals with unresolved violations from practicing .
Q2
What criminal convictions must be disclosed on a Virginia PMU license application?
Answer: All misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug
distribution, or physical injury within 2 years of application; and all felony convictions within 20 years of
application .
, Rationale: The time-limited disclosure requirements balance public protection with rehabilitation. Nolo
contendere pleas are considered convictions for disclosure purposes .
Q3
An applicant trained outside of Virginia but within the US who completed fewer than the required training
hours may still qualify for examination under what conditions?
Answer: The applicant must submit documentation acceptable to the board verifying completion of
substantially equivalent tattooing training OR documentation of three years of work experience within the
preceding five years as a tattooer, AND completion of minimum five hours of health education covering
bloodborne pathogens, sterilization, aseptic techniques, first aid, and CPR .
Rationale: This provision allows experienced practitioners from other states to qualify without repeating
full training, while ensuring they understand Virginia's health and safety standards .
Q4
What is the minimum client age for receiving a tattoo or permanent cosmetic tattoo in Virginia?
Answer: A client must be a minimum of 18 years of age, except as permitted in § 18.2-371.3 of the Code
of Virginia .
Rationale: This age requirement protects minors from making permanent decisions about body
modification before reaching legal adulthood .
Q5
What identification must a client present before receiving a permanent cosmetic tattoo?
Answer: A valid, government-issued positive identification card including a driver's license, passport, or
military identification containing a photograph of the individual and a printed date of birth .
Rationale: Positive ID ensures age verification and helps prevent identity fraud. The photograph
requirement prevents use of another person's identification .
Q6
What information must be documented in the permanent client record for each PMU procedure?
